Location: Narrows,VA, USA
OverviewThe Manufacturing Expert - Asset Optimizer (Production Engineer) in the Cellulose Acetate Unit is responsible for the on-target quality and production volume of a 24/7 manufacturing unit. The role of Chemical Production Engineer is dynamic and essential to operations, utilizing technicalexpertise to enhance plant operations and address any issues that arise. This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety, reliability, and overall plant performance. This role must actively seek improvements in these areas based on business priorities.ResponsibilitiesThe Manufacturing Expert - Asset Optimizer (Production Engineer) in the Cellulose Acetate Unit will support and ensure Stewardship, Quality, Reliability and Engagement (SQRE) operation of Cellulose Acetate (CA) unit performing in the following general areas:* Detect and anticipate emerging issues that will affect productivity and the schedule; includes collection and analysis required metrics and provide short term/long term plan to address/resolve process gaps.* Interface with procurement, planning, scheduling, and supply chain teams to ensure raw materials, chemicals and packaging are ordered and delivered as needed to meet unit objectives.* Engages with unit team and 24/7 Team to identify quality issues with any raw materials and chemicals that need to be addressed with the suppliers.* Recognizes potential quality risks and acts proactively to address these risks before defects occur* Gatekeeper for the planner and responsible for acceptance of the production schedule; provide the conduit between production and scheduling* Identifies scheduling improvement opportunities and works with schedulers to ensure rules are complied with windows for receipt of raw materials, minimum batch sizes, production wheels, sequencing, schedule breaks and changeover rules.* Engage with supply chain to ensure that they are aware of any production schedule challenges, including planned maintenance outages, raw material concerns, and unplanned downtime* Continuously monitors throughput and production to ensure adherence to schedule and commitments.* Facilitate actions to improve efficiency, reliability, and continuously improve processes in order to improve productivity and reduce cost* Collaborate with Asset Leader to understand and set priority for equipment repairs while communicating to appropriate stakeholders in production and scheduling.QualificationsRequired:* Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering* Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience* Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization* Excellent time management skills, with evidence of prioritizing to deliver the right outcomes; highly collaborative in approach; effective in building strong working relationships* Proficient with basic computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Excel)* Agility to respond to emerging issues in fast-paced continuous operational unitPreferred:* Five plus years of chemical manufacturing experience* Demonstrated experience with raw material procurement processes* Demonstrated ability to understand production schedules and production capabilities* Demonstrated ability to manage complexity, optimize work processes, and being resourceful* Six Sigma or similar statistical quality control experience and certification* Experience in ERP's, preferably SAP, usage for material management* Experience using process software used for historical data and trending to troubleshoot process upsets, determine root causes and identify reliability defects